Catch-Up or Clean-Up. Which Bookkeeping Service Do You Need?

Not all bookkeeping problems are the same, and the solution depends on your situation. Here’s how to tell which service fits your business best:

Catch-Up Bookkeeping

This service is for business owners who are behind. Maybe you haven’t entered transactions in months, your bank accounts haven’t been reconciled, or reports haven’t been prepared. Catch-up bookkeeping involves bringing your books up to date, providing a comprehensive financial picture.

Examples:

• Transactions from the past 6 months still need to be recorded

• Bank or credit card accounts haven’t been reconciled

• Payroll hasn’t been properly tracked

• No financial reports have been generated for management or tax purposes

Clean-Up Bookkeeping

This service is for business owners whose books are current but disorganized or inaccurate. If you notice duplicate accounts, expenses in the wrong categories, or reports that don’t make sense, you need a clean-up. It’s about correcting mistakes, reorganizing your chart of accounts, and making sure your numbers are accurate.

Examples:

• Duplicate categories like “Meals,” “Dining,” and “Food Expenses” are all being used inconsistently

• Income lumped into one “Sales” account instead of being separated by service and product

• Unreconciled clearing accounts or balances that don’t match bank statements

• A chart of accounts with too many outdated or unused categories

Most of the time, business owners need both. When you’re behind and disorganized, you’ll need to catch up first, then clean up. That way, your books are both current and accurate moving forward.

Ready to take bookkeeping off your plate?
I work with small business owners in Portland and across the country to keep their books accurate, current, and stress-free.
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